Author
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Charlet, Laurence |
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Submitted to: The Sunflower
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 8/23/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Integrated Pest Management is an ecologically-based pest control strategy which is part of the overall crop production system. IPM is integrated because it incorporates all appropriate methods from many scientific disciplines into a systematic approach to optimize pest control. All available management decisions are considered, including taking no action. Knowledge about the pest is required, as are established economic thresh olds, and the results of field monitoring to determine if the pest has reached the threshold. Control tactics include: cultural control (crop rotation, tillage, planting dates), use of resistant plant varieties, biological control (introduction of new natural enemies, conservation of natural enemies, mass release of natural enemies), and insecticidal control (synthetic-organic pesticides, pathogens, nematodes). IPM involves maximum reliance on natural pest population control with the other tactics which may contribute to suppression of the pest. The use of chemical pesticides is used only when necessary. Prior planning is critical - a number of the techniques must be used before the crop goes into the soil. Evidence from a number of efforts to incorporate IPM into major crops in the U.S. shows that when adopted, IPM results in economic benefit to both growers and society, typically accompanied by a reduction in pesticide use. IPM of insects in sunflower is being utilized now and research is continuing to provide assistance in the development of other tactics. It does take more effort and knowledge, but it will be beneficial in the long-term. The goals are clean water, environmental safety, and reduced pesticides in food, and IPM is the way to move toward these goals. |
